Swan Cruises Halong: Guide to Cabins, Activities, and Meals

Swan Cruises Halong: Guide to Cabins, Activities, and Meals

Embarking on Swan Cruises Halong is more than a trip; it’s an authentic journey through Bai Tu Long Bay with boutique cabins, Vietnamese dining, and eco-friendly practices. From kayaking in emerald waters to cultural encounters at floating villages, every detail creates a memorable travel story. With years of expertise, Vietpower Travel brings you insider tips and seamless services to enjoy Halong Bay at its best.

1. About Swan Cruises Halong – Tradition Meets Comfort

Launched in 2015, Swan Cruises Halong has quickly established its reputation as a trusted cruise operator in Bai Tu Long Bay. Within the first three years, the company welcomed more than 40,000 guests and gained over 3,000 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.

Each vessel is built with a sturdy metal structure while still embracing the graceful appearance of a traditional Vietnamese junk. With only 8 to 18 boutique cabins on board, Swan Cruises offers a more intimate and personalized journey compared to larger, crowded ships.

The interior design reflects a unique bamboo–wood hybrid style, combining natural local materials with modern comfort. This thoughtful blend creates a warm, authentic atmosphere for travelers seeking cultural charm alongside convenience.

Let’s continue exploring more about Vietnam and its breathtaking cruise experiences. Visit our Vietnam cruise category to discover detailed guides, itineraries, and tips for exploring Vietnam from the water.

2. Swan Cruises Halong Cabins – Comfort on the Water

Swan Cruises Halong provides a variety of cabins that balance traditional charm with modern amenities. Each room is fully equipped with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, hot showers, complimentary bottled water, and large ocean-view windows. Here are the cabin options in detail:

Deluxe Cabin
- Size: ~18 m²
- Location: First floor
- Features: Twin or double bed options, private bathroom, sea-view windows.
- Best for: Couples or solo travelers looking for comfort at an affordable price.

Suite Cabin
- Size: ~18–22 m²
- Features: Stylish décor with added space, high-quality bedding, and upgraded amenities.
- Unique highlight: Selected suites include a private jacuzzi bathtub, offering extra relaxation.
- Best for: Travelers who prefer a premium experience without booking the largest cabin.

Suite Balcony Cabin
- Size: ~28 m²
- Location: Second floor
- Features: Private balcony with chairs, large glass doors for uninterrupted bay views.
- Best for: Honeymooners or guests who enjoy direct access to fresh air and panoramic scenery.

Family Connecting Cabin
- Size: ~25–36 m²
- Features: Two connecting rooms with double or twin beds, private bathrooms in each room.
- Best for: Families or small groups of up to four who want privacy and togetherness at the same time.

All cabins share Swan Cruise’s signature bamboo–wood interior décor, giving a warm and natural charm while maintaining international comfort standards. This makes the cruise a perfect choice for travelers looking for the best Halong Bay cruise with an authentic yet cozy atmosphere.

3. Dining on Swan Cruise – Vietnamese & International Flavors

The dining experience on Swan Cruises is designed to highlight both scenery and flavor. The restaurant is built with ceiling-to-floor windows, allowing guests to enjoy uninterrupted views of limestone peaks while dining. This panoramic setting makes every meal a memorable part of the journey.

Vietnamese Seafood Menu: Freshly caught squid, prawns, clams, and fish are prepared with local recipes. Guests can try traditional dishes like grilled squid, seafood hotpot, and stir-fried clams.
Western-Style Breakfast: A lighter option for international guests, including bread, eggs, butter, jam, and fruit.
Special Diets: Vegetarian and allergy-friendly meals are available upon request.

The bar area complements the dining room, offering cocktails, wine, soft drinks, fresh juice, and Vietnamese drip coffee. Many guests enjoy sipping a cocktail at sunset or a cup of coffee at dawn while overlooking the bay.

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4. Exciting Activities with Swan Cruise Halong

Onboard Experiences

Tai Chi Class: Gentle morning exercise on the sundeck with fresh sea air.
Cooking Class: Learn to prepare nem cuốn (spring rolls), famously demonstrated by Gordon Ramsay during his Halong Bay visit.
Squid Fishing: Evening activity using traditional fishing tools, fun for both adults and children.
Sunset Party: Drinks and snacks are served while watching the sky turn orange over the limestone cliffs.

Highlight Excursions

Bai Tu Long Bay

Scenic Cruising: Sail through an area with 70% fewer boats than the main Halong route, ensuring a calm atmosphere.
Photography: Capture towering limestone mountains, hidden lagoons, and emerald waters.
Tai Chi on Deck: Morning exercise with panoramic bay views.

Cap La Island

Kayaking: Paddle into small caves and lagoons, explore karst formations up close.
Swimming: Enjoy clear and calm waters, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Sunset Party: Join other guests on the sundeck for drinks and snacks while watching the sunset over the island.
Photography Stop: Ideal backdrop with dramatic cliffs and golden evening light.

Vung Vieng Floating Village

Bamboo Boat Ride: Locals row visitors through the floating houses and pearl farms.
Cultural Discovery: Learn about pearl cultivation, fish farming, and daily life on the water.
Community Interaction: Chat with fishermen, buy handmade jewelry crafted from shells and pearls.
Eco-Activity: Guests can join in local clean-up efforts to support sustainable tourism.

Tra San Island

Kayaking & Exploration: Paddle around the isolated island and discover quiet lagoons.
Swimming & Sunbathing: Relax on small beaches with very few visitors.
Wildlife Spotting: Observe birds and coastal vegetation in an untouched environment.
Relaxation: A perfect spot for peace, especially in spring and autumn.

Cong Do Area

Kayaking Through Caves: Paddle into small grottoes and hidden lagoons.
Photography: Stunning limestone peaks and tranquil waters are best seen in April–May and September–October when the skies are clear.
Swimming: Refreshing water is perfect for short dips.
Quiet Cruising: One of the least commercialized areas, offering a sense of pure nature.

5. Swan Cruises Halong – 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay – Cap La Island

Morning

08:00 – 08:30: Pick-up from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter.
10:00: Short break halfway for refreshments.
12:00: Arrive at Halong International Port. Relax at Swan’s waiting lounge.
12:30: Transfer by tender boat to the cruise. Welcome drink, safety briefing, and check-in to your cabin.

Afternoon

13:00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch while cruising deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay.
15:00: Explore Cap La Island:
- Kayaking through limestone karsts and lagoons.
- Swimming in emerald waters.
- Relaxing on the beach or taking photos.
17:00: Return to the cruise, freshen up.

Evening

17:30: Join the Sunset Party on the sundeck with fresh fruit, snacks, and drinks.
19:00: Vietnamese set menu dinner served in the dining room with ceiling-to-floor panoramic windows.
20:30: Free evening onboard:
- Try squid fishing with local equipment.
- Enjoy cocktails or wine at the bar.
- Play board games or simply relax under the stars.

Day 2: Thien Canh Son Cave – Hanoi

Morning

06:00: Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
07:00: Light Western-style breakfast with bread, eggs, fruit, and coffee.
08:00: Visit Thien Canh Son Cave:
- Walk up the stone steps to the cave entrance.
- Admire natural stalactites and panoramic bay views.
09:30: Return to the cruise, pack luggage, and check out.

Late Morning

10:00: Cooking class – Learn to make Vietnamese fresh spring rolls (nem cuốn).
11:00: Farewell lunch served onboard while the cruise heads back to port.
12:00: Disembark at Halong International Port.

Afternoon

12:30: Shuttle bus departs for Hanoi.
16:30 – 17:00: Drop-off at Hanoi Old Quarter. End of trip.

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6. Best Time to Experience Swan Cruises Halong

Spring (January – March)

Weather: Cool and pleasant, with average temperatures around 18–23°C. Rainfall is low, and the sea remains calm.
Activities: Ideal for kayaking, swimming, and visiting Vung Vieng Floating Village. The landscapes are also charming with blooming flowers and fresh greenery.
Travel Tip: This is also festival season in Vietnam, so you may combine your cruise with cultural events on land.

Summer (April – June)

Weather: Warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 25–32°C. Days are longer, offering plenty of daylight for outdoor activities.
Activities: Best for swimming, kayaking, and beach relaxation on Cap La Island. Sunset parties on the sundeck are especially memorable in summer.
Travel Tip: Book early during this period, as it is a popular holiday season for domestic travelers.

Autumn (July – September)

Weather: Temperatures cool down to around 22–28°C. However, this season can bring occasional tropical storms, especially in August and September.
Activities: Great for cave exploration at Thien Canh Son and cultural visits to Tra San Island. Photography is rewarding with misty mornings and golden sunsets.
Travel Tip: Always check the weather forecast, as itineraries may be adjusted for safety.

Winter (October – December)

Weather: Dry, cool, and less humid, with average temperatures of 15–20°C. Clear skies provide stunning views of limestone karsts.
Activities: Perfect for those seeking peace. Enjoy Tai Chi sessions on the sundeck, sunset cocktails, and cozy evenings onboard. Swimming is less common, but cultural activities and relaxation are highlights.
Travel Tip: This season is highly recommended for travelers who enjoy tranquility and crisp air.

7. Safety & Eco-Friendly Cruising

When choosing a cruise, both safety and sustainability play a central role in creating a reliable and enjoyable experience. Swan Cruises Halong integrates both elements, ensuring travelers can relax with peace of mind while contributing to responsible tourism.

In-Cabin Safety Features: Every cabin is equipped with a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, and life jackets, seamlessly built into the traditional wooden-style décor. These measures guarantee a safe environment while maintaining the warm, authentic ambiance of the cruise.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Swan Cruises is committed to minimizing its impact on Halong Bay’s ecosystem. The vessel applies strict waste management policies, reduces single-use plastics, and optimizes energy efficiency with modern generators.
Supporting Local Communities: Beyond environmental care, Swan Cruises also contributes to the livelihoods of fishing families around Bai Tu Long Bay. Through employment, partnerships, and cultural exchange activities, the cruise fosters a deeper connection between visitors and local communities.

8. Conclusion

Whether you choose a short escape or an extended adventure, Swan Cruises Halong promises comfort, safety, and a genuine connection to Vietnam’s heritage waters. With seasonal travel tips, cabin guides, and curated activities, travelers can easily plan the best time to visit Halong Bay. Book with Vietpower Travel, your trusted companion for the cruise in Halong Bay Vietnam, and create lasting memories on one of the world’s most stunning bays

tags: Vietnam Cruises

Swan Cruises Halong: Guide to Cabins, Activities, and Meals

1. About Swan Cruises Halong – Tradition Meets Comfort

2. Swan Cruises Halong Cabins – Comfort on the Water

3. Dining on Swan Cruise – Vietnamese & International Flavors